Run Forrest Run 5K: Beaufort’s Most Iconic Race Returns October 4
Held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, this 5K kicks off the Beaufort Shrimp Festival weekend with high energy, big heart, and unforgettable views of the Lowcountry waterfront.
Lace up your sneakers, grab your shrimp hat or Gump wig, and get ready to hit the streets of downtown Beaufort for the annual Run Forrest Run 5K .
This quirky, feel-good race has a purpose: proceeds benefit innovation in Beaufort and the Sea Islands of South Carolina.
Held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, this 5K kicks off the Beaufort Shrimp Festival weekend with high energy, big heart, and unforgettable views of the Lowcountry waterfront.
When, Where & How to Register
- Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM race start
- Location: Bay Street at Newcastle Street (near Best Western Sea Island Inn)
- Registration: $45 via RunSignUp (discounts available for early birds)
- Packet Pickup: Friday, October 3 at Grounded Running or race morning at the start line
This scenic, chip-timed course takes participants through downtown Beaufort and across the iconic Woods Memorial Bridge, the same bridge Tom Hanks ran over in Forrest Gump.
More Than Just a Race
Whether you run, jog, walk, or stroll in costume, the Run Forrest Run 5K is a joyful way to celebrate community and give back.
- 🏆 Fastest Forrest Award for best Gump-inspired costume
- 👨👩👧👦 Open to all ages and fitness levels
- 🌉 Panoramic views of the Beaufort River and historic neighborhoods
- 🎉 Kicks off a weekend of fun at the Beaufort Shrimp Festival
Who It Benefits
The race is organized by the Beaufort Digital Corridor , a nonprofit that supports innovation, tech education, and entrepreneurship across the Lowcountry.
All proceeds from the race directly benefit the BDC Foundation's mission to:
- Support local youth tech programs
- Grow the tech talent pipeline
- Provide entrepreneurial support for startups and small businesses in Beaufort County
By lacing up for this race, you're helping create opportunities and infrastructure for the next generation of Lowcountry innovators.
Part of the Beaufort Triple Crown
The Run Forrest Run 5K is also the first leg of the Beaufort Triple Crown, a three-part race series designed to spotlight fitness, philanthropy, and fun.
Triple Crown Races:
- Run Forrest Run 5K – Oct 4, 2025
- Swing Bridge Run 5K – Nov 1, 2025
- Turkey Trot 5K – Thanksgiving Day, Nov 27, 2025
Triple Crown Benefits:
- Special medal with race charms
- Entry into overall time awards
- Bonus swag for completing all three races
- Support for three local nonprofits:
- Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation
- Holy Trinity Classical Christian School
- Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry
Only 125 Triple Crown registration bundles are available, and they sell out quickly — so if you're planning to run more than one, don’t wait to grab your bundle.
Final Tips & What to Bring
- 👟 Arrive early to find parking and warm up
- 🎭 Costumes are encouraged, but optional
- 💧 Stay hydrated — water stations are available
- 📸 Snap a selfie on the bridge and tag #RunForrestRun5K
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